Technical Officer, Thermometry and Radiometry

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) in Ottawa is seeking a Technical Officer to support the Thermometry and Radiometry team within the Metrology Research Centre. The role requires hands-on work in a physics lab, calibration services, and development of precision instrumentation.

You will set up experiments, develop software interfaces, calibrate equipment, analyze data, and contribute to R&D in temperature and optical power.

Qualifications

• College diploma (technologist) or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or in Physics.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience in a laboratory setting with physics/engineering equipment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up and troubleshoot experiments and calibration apparatus.
• Develop and maintain computer interfacing and data acquisition programs.
• Calibrate and validate client equipment; report results.
• Design, construct and maintain advanced electronic/mechanical equipment for scientific apparatus.
• Acquire, analyze data, and maintain records; coordinate calibration with clients.
• Schedule calibration services with internal and external clients; maintain quality system documents.
• Collaborate with team members on equipment maintenance and validation.

Skills

Data acquisition systems

Programming

Electronics

Optics

Education

College diploma (technologist)

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

LabView

Python

Job description

Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Metrology Research Centre

Classification: TO-3

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for a Technical Officer to support our Thermometry and Radiometry team within the Metrology Research Centre. The Technical Officer, Thermomety and Radiometry would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Metrology Research Centre is Canada’s national metrology institute and, as such, realizes the measurement units of the SI system and disseminates them to government and industrial clients. The Thermometry and Radiometry Team is responsible for the realization and dissemination of temperature and optical power.

The Technical Officer provides technical support (electrical, electronic, computer, mechanical, organizational, logistical, and other), and systems oversight in projects and in operations of the Thermometry and Radiometry team.

We are looking for a hands-on person who is passionate about technology and will be proficient in a physics lab setting. They will perform calibration services for internal and external clients, and support the Thermometry and Radiometry team’s research and development activities.

This work includes performing calibrations, processing results, and preparing reports. Calibrations are carried out using robotic and automated instruments with some executed manually. The successful candidate will support the continual improvement of measurement services and capabilities through modification of existing equipment and measurement processes, automation, as well as through software enhancement. In addition the technical officer will provide support for research and development activities in Thermometry and Radiometry and aid in the development of precision instrumentation.

You will

• Set up and troubleshoot experiments, experimental equipment and calibration apparatus;
• Develop and maintain computer interfacing and programs to communicate with electronic equipment and data acquisition systems;
• Calibrate and validate internal and external client equipment;
• Help design, construct and maintain advanced, custom electronic and mechanical equipment for scientific and measurement apparatus;
• Acquire and analyse data, report results and keep records;
• Work with internal and external clients to arrange and schedule calibration services;
• Revise and maintain the quality system documents of the team;
• Work with other team members to schedule equipment maintenance and validation.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A College diploma (technologist) or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or in Physics.

An equivalent combination of experience and education including technical degrees may also be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience working in a laboratory setting and with equipment found in physics or physical engineering labs, such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, data acquisition systems, vacuum systems, etc;
• Experience in general programming and computer interfacing and control of instruments by computer;
• Experience in planning and executing basic experiments, analyzing data, communicating results orally and in writing;
• Experience working independently and in teams on simultaneous projects;
• Basic experience in optics and/or optical detectors; and
• Basic experience in electronics including design, layout, part specification, construction, testing and troubleshooting.

Experience in the following are assets:

• Experience with LabView and Python;
• Experience with basic mechanical design;
• Experience with quality systems (for example ISO/IEC 17025).

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Solid knowledge of data acquisition systems and components;
• Solid knowledge of laboratory measurement devices;
• Solid knowledge of programming languages;
• Basic knowledge of general electronics;
• Ability to identify problems with experimental techniques and/or approaches and suggest solutions;
• Ability to troubleshoot complex experimental apparatus; and
• Ability to design, construct and maintain advanced equipment for scientific apparatus.

Behavioural competencies

• Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Teamwork (Level 1)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Client focus (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Communication (Level 1)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Initiative (Level 1)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66,126 to $91,012 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25379) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 15 September 2026- 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.